The 2024 edition of the PGF Organizational Challenge was held over the weekend—Friday Sept. 13 through Sunday, Sept. 15—at the Salinas (Calif.) Sports Complex and featured 12 elite travel ball organizations from Northern California.

Here’s the list of the dozen fastpitch programs who were invited to compete for a total of $15,000 in cash prizes across the three age divisions of 18U, 16U and 14U:

• CA Grapettes
• CA Storm
• Cal Nuggets Woods
• Extreme Fastpitch
• Firecrackers Leles
• Foothill Gold
• Lady Magic Munoz
• LTG Lions
• San Jose Sting
• Sorcerer
• Universal Fastpitch
• Warrior Academy.

Perfect Weekend for Lady Magic

The Lady Magic Munoz organization come out the big winner and captured the big $10,000 pot by coming in first with a total of 690 points.  The Lady Magic, led by Coach Ernie Munoz, saw its 14U, 16U and 18U teams go a perfect 18-0 with each age group team going 6-0.

“It was a great weekend for our Lady Magic organization!” Munoz said. “We managed to go a combined 18-0 and win the 14’s, 16’s, and 18’s divisions.”

“The PGF Organization Challenge has been a great event that we look forward to attending every fall,” Coach Munoz continued.

“Bill Sparrey does a great job getting all of the top orgs from Northern California to make it a competitive event and Armando Barragan does a fantastic job hosting it at his complex and keeping the fields in good shape.”

The long-time coach added the event was a great way to get back into action following summer play.

“Our teams haven’t played since PGF Nationals, so there was definitely some rust that had to be knocked off. For our teams not being in mid-season form, I don’t think we as coaches could have asked for much more. We had some moments where we had to battle back and overcome some things but, ultimately, got it done when they needed to. With that being said, I think our Lady Magic teams are definitely looking forward to a great year at all levels.”

The LTG Lions took home $5,000 with a total of 410 points to finish second overall.   The Lions had a record of 15-5 with three of their losses being to Lady Magic Munoz in the championship games. 

Despite coming up short in the title contests, it was a beneficial weekend for the runners-up LTG Lions according to Head Coach Joe Henderson.

“The event was extremely well-run, the field crew did an excellent job grooming the fields between each game, and the umpires were consistent and professional across the board.”

“As coaches, we were also treated to a delicious taco bar on Saturday, which was a highlight—so good that I couldn’t resist going back for seconds!”

Going into the championship games for all age groups, the LTG Lions held a slim lead of 410 points to Lady Magic Munoz 390 points and, as fate would have it, Lady Magic Munoz and LTG Lions ended up facing each other in all three of the age group title games.

The Lady Magic Munoz won each of finales to earn an additional 300 points (100 points per age group) and bragging rights as the best fastpitch organization in Northern California.  

Coach Henderson said he realizes it’s all part of the process to get better for next summer, which is the ultimate goal.

“I’m incredibly proud of all three of our LTG teams that participated,” he continues, “especially this early in the season. They faced tough competition, were battle-tested, and repeatedly rose to the occasion. Our players demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and skill, which makes me excited to see how they continue to develop as the season progresses.”

Fun & Food Off the Field

The coaches were treated to a Coaches Hospitality Area on Saturday, Sept. 14th from 11 am to 4pm with complimentary food and beverages.

“It was exciting to host so many talented teams and players at the PGF Organizational Challenge,” Armando Barragan, the Tournament Director recapped.

“Along with the play on the field—there was great pitching, hitting and defensive plays all weekend long—and we brought in some of the best umpires in NorCal to work these games and they did a great job, too!”

Format

All teams played three games of pool play followed by a seeded single elimination bracket game.  The format of this tournament was a little different as teams received points for wins for their organization. 

“With all games worth something, the intensity of the games started with the Friday evening until Sunday championship games,” Barragan explains.

Click HERE to access the PGF Organizational Challenge website and look below to see the  final tally of points for each travel ball organization: